Cadmium Plating Services

The USAF Minuteman III Launch Facility (LF) and Launch Control Center (LCC) motor generators require a specific process for cadmium plating on mating metal surfaces for corrosion protection and low bonding resistance. This process includes specific equipment, chemicals, and methods for brush cadmium plating. Currently the USAF has requirements to overhaul at least 11 LF motor generators and 4 LCC motor generators per year.

Cadmium plating is not only for corrosion control but because of its high electrical conductivity properties it is used to meet nuclear hardness bonding and grounding requirements in the Minuteman (MM) Weapon System motor generator. Cadmium plating repair is part of the depot repair/ overhaul process for ICBM motor generators. Alternative cadmium plating processes or alternative plating materials cannot be used to repair motor generators at this time per MMIII SPO OSS&E Authority Mr. Allen Hancey.